How to become a councillor

To stand in the upcoming election, you must follow these steps.

Step 1: check your eligibility

To stand in a Kent County Council election you must be:

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
• at least 18 years old
• registered to vote in Kent or have lived, worked or owned property in the county for at least 12 months before an election.

You cannot become a councillor if you:

• work for Kent County Council or for another local authority in a politically restricted post
• are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
• have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day
• have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

For further details about qualifications and disqualifications, read the Electoral Commission Guidance.

Step 2: decide if you want to stand for a political party or as an independent

If you are eligible you must decide if you want to stand for a political party or as an independent. To stand:

• for a political party, you need to contact them directly and take part in their selection process
• as an independent, resources and advice are available via the LGA Independent Office and the LGA Independent Group's Be a Councillor webpage.

Step 3: read the Electoral Commission guide

After you have chosen who you will stand for, read the Electoral Commission guide on how to put yourself forward for an election.

Step 4: complete and submit your nomination papers during the nomination period

The County Returning Officer appoints 12 Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) in each of the city/borough/district councils in Kent to administer and conduct the poll in their area on our behalf.

During the election process, your point of contact will be your DRO. Find out who your DRO is and how to contact them.

Further details regarding the nomination period will be published in 2025.

Step 5: build your local profile, reputation, and campaign

You will be ready to campaign to stand for election.

The Electoral Commission has a comprehensive guidance document for candidates which covers all aspects of standing in local government elections, including campaigning.

Read the full guidance or specific sections:

• how to use this guidance
• what you need to know before you stand as a candidate 
• candidate spending
• candidate donations
• campaigning
• nominations
• postal votes
• polling day
• verification and count
• after the election
• resources for candidates and agents at local government elections in England.

You may also be interested in reading a statement published by the Electoral Commission around the use of generative AI in campaigning.

Support once you're a councillor

A comprehensive induction programme for new and returning elected members is planned which is being overseen by the Member Development Sub-Committee. This will include the provision of IT equipment and support.

Contact us

Email elections@kent.gov.uk if you have any further questions.